A new beginning
When Lily Valdes (BS ’25) transferred to the University of Georgia and its School of Computing within the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, she was navigating more than just a new campus. She had already moved from a private institution to a community college before arriving at UGA, and with each transition came new academic, social and professional challenges.
“I didn’t know how to meet people or get involved in clubs,” Lily recalled. “I was overwhelmed and shy. I just went to class and went home.”
That changed when she joined the UGA Mentor Program. Inspired by a class presentation and encouraged by a friend who had benefited from the program, Lily began searching for someone who could guide her, not just academically, but through the real-world challenges of entering the tech industry. She wasn’t just looking for a connection; she was looking for direction, confidence, and clarity.
A Bulldog guide
Aries Aviles (BS ’21), a UGA School of Computing alum and former transfer student, understood the complexities of starting fresh. He had once faced the same uncertainties and wanted to help students like Lily find their footing. “I was proud of what I’d accomplished,” Aries said. “And I knew how helpful it would’ve been to have someone to talk to who could answer questions or just listen.”
Their mentorship began in August 2024 and quickly evolved far beyond either’s expectations. Over the course of 16 weeks, Aries offered practical advice and emotional support; he even shared his first resume to show Lily that everyone starts somewhere.
“I didn’t even know how to write a tech resume, but Aries showed me his and said, ‘You’re not far off.’ That gave me so much confidence.”
A shift in mindset
That confidence translated into action. Lily became vice president of a student club, WeCan Code, which pairs business majors with computer science students to foster mutual learning and mentorship. “I never thought I’d be here,” Lily said. “But Aries helped me realize I had the skills, I just needed the confidence to show them.” That confidence led to nearly 50 job interviews, multiple final-round offers, and a clear understanding of what she wanted from her career.
“I learned not to settle, I got an offer outside of tech, but I knew it wasn’t what I loved. Aries taught me that passion matters and that the right opportunity will come.”
One of the most memorable moments came during a hackathon, where Lily and her team — most of them first-timers in the competition — earned runner-up honors. When judges were about to leave without reviewing their project, Lily chased them down in heels and a suit, determined to make her case. “I remembered Aries saying, ‘Don’t sell yourself short,’” she said. “So, I ran after them and asked for a chance. We ended up presenting in a back room and that’s how we got recognized. ”Aries, who had participated in many hackathons himself, was stunned. “I’ve never seen someone chase down a judge before lunch,” he laughed. “But it showed me how much Lily had grown. She had that grit all along; she just needed someone to help unlock it.”
Lessons for both mentor and mentee
Their relationship wasn’t just about career advice. The pair bonded over shared experiences, mutual respect, and personal growth. Both were transfer students. Both had faced uncertainty. And both learned from each other. “I think Lily’s journey reminded me how much can happen in a year,” Aries said. “It’s easy to forget that when you’re caught in the day-to-day grind. But watching her grow was a refreshing reminder that transformation is always possible.” Lily echoed that sentiment. “I think I’ll always remember how Aries taught me to read people at career fairs,” she said. “How to present myself, how to make an impression. That’s something I’ll carry with me forever.” And for Aries?
“I’ll remember the hackathon,” he said. “But more than that, I’ll remember the growth. Watching Lily go from unsure to unstoppable is something I’ll never forget.”
UGA Mentor Program evolves
The mentorship ripple effect is real as shown by Lily’s Hackathon teammates seeking Aries’s advice through her. Just like Lily and Aries, the UGA Mentor Program has organically grown — what began as a one-on-one connection platform has expanded to include “circles of success,” which pair an alumni mentor with several students, and “quick chats,” one-time conversations lasting 15 to 30 minutes that offer a format potentially less intimidating for students and more time-efficient for mentors.
“The UGA Mentor Program gave me the tools to build something bigger,” Lily said. “It helped me start a club, connect students, and even mentor others myself.”
Connect students with alumni who understand their journey, empower them to take bold steps, and remind them that transformation is always within reach.
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Photography by Logan Lewis
